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Stopping and Living Deeply in the Present Moment
Live deeply every moment of daily life so that life does not pass by like a dream. Happiness is present right in the present moment if we know how to stop and live deeply, instead of running after conditions of happiness in the future driven by our habit energies. Practice is the process of recognizing and transforming old habits to attain solidity, freedom, and peace right here and right now.
The practice includes using the precepts, fine manners, and mindfulness to protect our body and mind from:
- The ten fetters: ten bindings that make us lose our freedom.
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The ten underlying tendencies: ten forces that push us to speak, act, and think in forgetfulness.
Conscious breathing is a safe home that helps us put an end to our sleepwalking and touch reality. In this practice: - Mindfulness is the Buddha shining light.
- The breath is the Dharma protecting our body and mind.
- The five skandhas are the Sangha working together diligently.
Every daily action, such as drinking tea, washing the dishes, or gardening, is an opportunity to generate the energy of love and solidity. In order to help those with suffering and pain, such as the 1,500 upcoming retreatants, we must have peace within ourselves. We need to avoid fake practice—which is merely practicing the outward form—and engage in true practice, meaning that every step and every breath contains the essence of awakening. Only when we have the substance of the Buddha within us can we manifest solidity and a compassionate smile to the world, just as an artist must nourish their own peace before sculpting a statue of the World Honored One.
Part of the following collection
Healing is Possible at Every Moment